Last Saturday, before leaving to catch my flight, I popped down to the Fox with Duncs, Si, Keith and Loz for a few farewell beers while watching the end of the SA vs Barbarians game. Then I headed off for Heathrow for an early check in, before making my way to the Star Alliance Departure Lounge. Loz had managed to organise me entrance to the lounge, so I got to live it up in luxury chairs with free food and drink prior to my flight, which made for a good start to my holiday!

The flight was fine, and arrived here in sunny South Africa around 11am and met up with Greg and Kim at the airport, who were the only two who knew about my arrival on the Sunday. Originally I was meant to fly last night and arrive this morning, but managed to move it back to the weekend. We went back to their place, which I hadn't seen before, to drop my bags and have the folks around for lunch. Obviously it was a massive surprise for mom and dad, but was excellent to see them a few days earlier than originally planned.

The afternoon was spent around their place, had a few beers, delicious steak and salad for lunch, then popped down to the pool for an afternoon swim and chill out in the sun. Not a bad way to spend the first day back! After the day at Greg and Kim's, popped by Gramps and then Bev and Dale to say hi and surprise them with my early arrival. Since everyone still had work plans this week, I used the first few days to chill out a bit, with Monday being spent in the sun and then a braai at home in the evening with Greg and Kim. On Tuesday I headed out for lunch with Greg and Kim, around Greenstone in the afternoon and then dinner and a couple of beers with dad at the Brazen Head.

Yesterday, after Kim was done with work, I headed out with them to the Moon and Sixpence, past Honeydew area to have a look at the venue. They had a few last minute things to drop off and organise, but was cool for me to be able to get an idea of the venue and where exactly it was. Obviously they were busy with their usual cleaning, sorting, maintenance, etc. but at least I could visualise the place before the big day on Saturday. Afterwards, we stopped by Col'Cacchio Pizzeria for lunch which was good, then headed home. Today was another full on day, with us heading out to the East Rand this afternoon to pick up the suits and shirts for Saturday and then out this evening with Greg and Kim to her uncle's place for his birthday, just in Dowerglen, for a braai, some beers and a bit of pool.